Is Algebra Cool?
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a wide component of mathematics that uses abstraction by substituting letters for numbers. It is this abstraction that often frightens many and thrills some. Algebra topics extend by working through simple tasks such as factoring trinomials and eventually progressing on to finding the inverse of a matrix. In almost all cases, just as in any other maths related class, students start by adding, subtracting and simplifying algebraic expressions . later on, they would move on to more advanced stages of solving algebraic equations using the greatest common factors and converting fractions in to decimals.
Help!!! Exponents, Radicals and Graphing on the Way…
There are many another higher level subjects. To start off with there are exponents. A power is the small number placed as superscript to a number or algebraic expression. In this example (x + y)3 where the 3 is the exponent and denotes the power to which that number is exponentiated. The above algebraic expression is read, x plus y to the third power. In working with powers you can add, subtract, multiple or divide them. You can work with rational and negative exponents. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, then you can move on to radicals. A radical, simply put, is the undoing of an exponent. The V beside 4 denote a radical expression which means, the square root of 4, which equals 2. The contrasting exponential equation is 2^2 which is read, 2 to the 2nd power, and equals 4. As with exponents, radical expressions can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. Radicals can be converted into exponents and exponents back into radicals. If you find that exponents and roots don’t really shake your interest, you could move on to graphing. The best way to start with graphing is to draw lines and try to figure out if they are horizontal, vertical or neither. Another question to ask is whether the line has an x-intercept or a y-intercept Can you find the slope of the line? you master the mathematical art of graphing, you will find a whole new world filled with parabolas and hyperbolas.
Help is Available
If you are learning algebra and this all seems a little too much, don’t sweat. There are many resources out there that can help you master fractional systems of equations, quadratic formulas and polynomials. Look for math tutors or software packages that will walk you through gradual process on how to solve any problem. Know that frustration is not your only friend because any of these instruments can assist you become an algebra expert in no time.